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Pass or Pursue: Top 10 NBA point guard 2022 free agent targets

By Jordanna Clark

Apr 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks shooting guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2022; New York, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets point guard Kyrie Irving (11) dribbles the ball against New York Knicks shooting guard Immanuel Quickley (5) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks, Houston Rockets, John Wall
John Wall, Houston Rockets. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – New York Knicks /

9: John Wall (player option)

John Wall hasn’t played in over a year. After playing in 40 games for the Houston Rockets in 2020-21, both sides mutually agreed to find a new home for the five-time All-Star.

Wall’s known for the nine seasons that he played with the Washington Wizards, but that chapter of his life came to a close when he was traded to the Rockets in Dec. of 2020 with a first-round draft pick in exchange for Russell Westbrook. Before that, Wall hadn’t played since two years earlier due to an injured Achilles tendon and knee.

At the age of 31, especially given Wall’s injury history and the amount of time that’s passed since his last competitive game, it’d be a huge risk to bring the guard to New York.

There’s also the fact that he has a $47.4 million player option for 2022-23, which he’s reportedly going to exercise. Why wouldn’t he? It’d make him the second-highest player in the NBA next year.

That amount of money makes it even more difficult for the Knicks to trade for Wall. It’s unfortunate that his career has taken this turn, and while he could help New York, the Knicks already have Rose on the roster, who also struggles with staying healthy.

Wall’s leadership would be valuable for players like Quickley and McBride, but it isn’t worth it, which is why he remained in Houston for the entirety of the 2021-22 season.

Verdict: Hard pass